5,000 expected at fairgrounds for Hope for Life event

As the outreach director at The Life Church and Memphis Dream Center, Joe Carson has had a hand in several community outreach programs in Memphis.

On Saturday, Carson will be coordinating his own event, Hope for Life, which is shaping up as one of the city's largest one-day outreach events. Officials are expecting to draw as many as 5,000 guests. The event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will begin at the Fairgrounds' Pipkin building and spill over onto Tiger Lane.

Hope for Life is designed to connect families connect with health, education and other assistance agencies, Carson said.

"What we've noticed is that often times at these events, families will come and they'll get a hot dog for lunch, and the kids will play, and they may receive a new pair of shoes or something that will be a blessing to them," Carson said. "But on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, nothing really has changed.

"What we have really tried to do is design this day to provide an opportunity for a family to literally connect ... with an organization to help them become healthier, help them move into a new place in life."

There will be giveaways. Every family will receive a package of diapers if they need them, and a box of groceries to feed a family for a week. Families will have a chance to receive a free computer or television. Five scholarships will be awarded to adults who want to resume their education at Belhaven University.

The event will also feature hot-air balloon rides, a three-on-three basketball tournament, and a kid's play area with obstacle courses, rock climbing walls and bounce houses. Food will be provided by Subway.

In all, more than 50 agencies will be represented. MIFA spokesperson Jim Seacat said his group will have a table to promote the various services MIFA has to offer to the community. They've also distributed flyers about the event.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell are expected to make appearances, as well as representatives from the Memphis police and fire departments.

Carson said about 20 percent of funding for the event is from Hand of Hope, a branch of Joyce Meyers Ministries, while the rest has come from corporate sponsorships and citizen donations.

"This is not a charity event for anyone," Carson said. "We just want to be able to provide our friends and neighbors the opportunity to reach their full potential."